NASA | 2013 Wildfires

Dr. Doug Morton discusses the 2013 wildfire season, highlighting its impact and trends observed using NASA satellites. He explains the increase in wildfires globally and in the US over the past 30 years. Future projections indicate that climate change will exacerbate wildfire risks in certain regions. NASA's satellites play a crucial role in monitoring these fires, providing data for global models to understand their effects on the atmosphere. Additional resources are available for those interested in learning more about NASA's efforts in wildfire monitoring.

What was notable about the 2013 wildfire season in the western US?

• It started late in the year.

• It was the least active season in history.

• It was marked by significant property damage.

• It only affected the eastern US.

What trend has NASA observed in wildfire activity over the last 30 years?

• An increase in the total amount of burning in the US and globally.

• No significant change in wildfire activity.

• A shift of wildfires from the US to Europe.

• A decrease in the number of wildfires globally.

Which areas are projected to become more at risk of wildfires by the end of the century?

• The Arctic region

• The Sahara Desert

• The upper Midwest and the Great Plains

• The Amazon rainforest

How do NASA's Landsat satellites contribute to wildfire monitoring?

• By extinguishing fires from space

• By mapping individual fires and their burn scars

• By predicting future wildfire locations

• By providing weather forecasts

What additional information do NASA satellites provide about wildfires?

• The number of firefighters needed

• The exact cause of each wildfire

• The smoke and particulate matter released into the atmosphere

• The amount of rainfall in the area